Chapter 7 – Part 2

“The daughter of Viscount Meraine was quite rude to you earlier,” Calix said coldly.

“Yeah, it seems like she regrets it… she’s been staring at you ever since.”

Eliana glanced at Bonita, who was fixated on Calix, her gaze filled with longing.

“Whether she regrets it or not, I don’t care.”

Calix’s voice was sharp, his brows furrowing as if the mere thought of Bonita disgusted him.

He despised those who took advantage of others’ misfortunes and reveled in the opportunity to tear people down. The nobles thought it was natural to behave this way, but Calix felt deeply angry toward those who constantly targeted Eliana. Asking her to dance had been his way of breaking the cycle of undeserved scorn. It was also his way of showing that he no longer felt bound by the restrictions of their past friendship.

The shackles that had once bound them were gone.

Calix’s gaze remained fixed on Eliana. She turned her eyes toward him, sensing that he had something more to say.

“You look stunning tonight,“ he said softly.

“…”

“I can’t take my eyes off you.“

“It’s been a while since I put effort into my appearance. Does it show?“ Eliana responded to Calix’s compliment, clearly pleased.

“It does. You’re wonderful,“ he said honestly.

His brave actions and genuine praise made Eliana think whoever Calix Vartica loved would be incredibly lucky. He was the type of person who would treat the one he loved with immense kindness and warmth.

‘Now that Calix has overcome his own difficult past, it’s time for him to have a stable, loving relationship,‘ Eliana thought. She knew his parents, who had always been kind to her, would wish for the same.

“Now, stop looking at me and look at the stage,“ she said playfully.

“Why should I?“ he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, after this song, instead of dancing with me again, why not invite one of the other noblewomen? I can guarantee they’re all waiting for you,“ Eliana suggested, glancing around the room.

Calix frowned slightly, and Eliana, unaware of his reaction, surveyed the crowd.

As she did, she noticed many of the noblewomen quickly looking away, trying to hide that they had been watching Calix. Some even covered their faces with their fans, but their actions showed they had eagerly observed him.

“They’re all watching you. They probably hate me for monopolizing your attention,“ Eliana said with a light chuckle.

“You’re telling me to dance with people who hate you?“ Calix replied, his voice low.

“Well… hate might not be the right word. It’s more like envy. They all want to dance with you because you’re amazing. And I’ve been taking up all of your time,“ she explained.

Calix didn’t respond, but his expression remained unreadable.

“A party is a place to meet people, after all. Who knows, you might even find someone special,“ Eliana added, trying to reason with him. She understood how the other women must have felt.

‘They probably put a lot of effort into getting Calix’s attention at Lady Madrino’s party,‘ Eliana thought, feeling a little guilty for keeping him to herself. Calix deserved to be happy, after all.

“Why are you trying to send me off to another woman?“ Calix asked quietly.

Eliana didn’t answer. She knew what he was implying—that he should meet someone worthy of his affections and be happy.

‘Does she want to dance with some other nobleman herself?‘ Calix wondered, feeling a sudden pang of irritation. The thought alone bothered him, and here she was, urging him to dance with other women. It made him feel a growing distance between them.

“I don’t want to,“ Calix said, shaking his head.

“Why not?“ Eliana asked, confused.

Calix, the most handsome and sought-after duke in the empire, was known for his reluctance to dance despite his skill and how kindly he treated his partners.

“You’re excellent at dancing, and you’re so thoughtful to your partner. You even notice when someone dresses up nicely,“ she said, slumping her shoulders slightly in exasperation.

“Everyone here likes you,“ she added.

Calix knew that everyone was watching him. People had always been interested in him, even when he had hidden away from the world. His popularity had only increased after his success on the battlefield, and the invitations and love letters had never stopped. But Calix had never responded to any of them.

“Eliana,“ he called softly.

“Yes?“ she answered, leaning closer, curious about what he would say.

“When we were dancing earlier, did you tear up a little?“ he asked, changing the subject.

Eliana was caught off guard.

‘So he noticed,‘ she thought, remembering she had shed a few tears.

“No way!“ she denied quickly.

“I thought you were about to cry again, like before,“ Calix teased with a smirk.

“I wasn’t! Something just got in my eye—dust or something,“ she stammered, though in truth, she had been touched by his thoughtfulness.

“I’ll pretend I didn’t see anything,“ Calix said lightly.

“But you’re not pretending right now!“ Eliana shot back, pouting.

Calix chuckled; his laughter was soft and genuine.

“Alright, I didn’t see anything.”

They continued their playful banter, exchanging smiles as they always did. But throughout it all, Calix’s gaze never wavered from Eliana.

‘The only person I want to dance with tonight is you,‘ he thought. The other women meant nothing to him.

***

Meanwhile, Cedric’s eyes were fixed on Eliana and Duke Calix Vartica. Whatever they were talking about, they seemed to be thoroughly enjoying each other’s company, sitting close and constantly conversing.

Eliana’s behavior was surprising, but Calix’s actions were even more shocking. He was the only noble who openly expressed discontent with Cedric at the hunting tournament.

‘Do you think you’re powerful among the nobles? Is that it? Someone like you?‘ Cedric thought with growing disdain.

No matter how much power the Duke of Vartica wielded on the battlefield or how much wealth he possessed, he could never compare to the Crown Prince himself. Once he became Emperor, he had no intention of leaving him be.

No, there was no reason he couldn’t act even before that. The Emperor and Empress were on his side, after all.

‘Even if a little royal blood flows through your veins, there’s no guarantee you won’t die a dog’s death like your parents.’

For him to keep such close ties with Eliana Leiberte was essentially a declaration that he disregarded him.

Cedric glared at Eliana. Her laughing and carefree behavior was nothing more than an announcement to the world that she was now free.

‘Do you think I can’t do the same? I’ll repay you in the way that will hurt you the most. You’ll regret what you just said.’

“Your Highness, it’s almost time for you to take the stage.”

Cedric snapped out of his thoughts about the two people at the sound of Elesio’s voice. He glanced at Elesio, who seemed to stay by his side longer than usual today.

“What nonsense are you spouting now?”

Elesio nodded toward where Noah was standing.

“Noah seems very busy. It appears he’s occupied with introducing Your Highness to a new lady.“

“A new lady?”

Cedric straightened up at the unfamiliar words.

“There are rumors that the Empress is urgently seeking a new Crown Princess candidate from among the daughters of the marquises. Didn’t you know?“

“Who said that nonsense?”

Elesio looked at Cedric as if asking if he genuinely didn’t know. Ignoring Elesio, Cedric focused on Noah, and their eyes met. Sure enough, Noah approached him and began to speak.

“Your Highness, as per Her Majesty the Empress’s wishes, Lady Christina Norte from the Marquisate of Norte is waiting to greet you.“

Noah’s words were precisely what Elesio had just said. Cedric’s golden eyes twisted in anger. This was a direct insult to both him and Rachel.

‘You opposed Rachel coming to the palace for a greeting just one day after our engagement was broken, yet now you’re trying to introduce a new woman behind my back?‘

“Why is Christina Norte here to greet me?“

“Well… Her Majesty the Empress wishes it, Your Highness. She is a daughter from a distinguished family…”

Cedric had no reason to comply. He cut Noah off abruptly.

“What are you talking about without consulting me first? Don’t bring her here. I won’t meet her.”

Cedric refused. He had a vision of the future and wouldn’t allow anyone to disrupt it. He stood up sharply. At that moment, he noticed Rachel approaching him.

But there was someone who moved faster than Rachel.

‘The Marquis of Norte…’

Marquis Cain Norte was deeply involved in all kinds of dealings, leveraging his close relationship with Empress Heather. He had a good build and a seemingly benevolent appearance, but he was greedy and quick-tempered. Right beside him was his daughter, Christina Norte.

‘Everything is just as Elesio said.’

The two of them climbed up to the VIP seats, smiling brightly, even though they hadn’t been granted permission.

“Your Highness Cedric, I am Cain Norte. This is my daughter, Christina Norte.”

TL NOTE: A more advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories.